Touro University Montana to Launch Nursing Program

During its review, the Board of Nursing highlighted Touro’s collaborative, student-centered culture and the depth of experience the university brings from decades of success in healthcare education across the Touro system in its other campuses and locations. In addition, the program was commended for its innovative design.  The hybrid model is intentionally crafted to expand access to nursing education for students across the state, especially those in rural areas who have historically faced geographic, economic, and workforce barriers to entering the profession.

“This new nursing program is a reflection of Touro’s mission to bring impactful programs to underserved communities,” said Touro President Dr. Alan Kadish. “Since the launch of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Montana, we were welcomed into the Great Falls community and our goal is to train medical and now, nursing professionals, who will ultimately serve the healthcare needs of this community and the entire state of Montana.”

Academic and Clinical Leader Named Program Director

Dr. Lauren Swant, a noted expert in nursing program development, was appointed Director of Nursing. A neonatal intensive care nurse by clinical background, Dr. Swant brings more than 15 years of combined clinical and academic healthcare leadership experience, having served in nursing faculty and executive leadership roles across both public and private higher education institutions in Montana. Her expertise spans regulatory compliance, accreditation readiness, workforce initiatives, and academic–practice partnership development.

Touro’s partners at Benefis underscored the importance of this milestone for Montana’s healthcare workforce.

John Goodnow, CEO, and Rayn Ginnaty, President of System Hospital Operations for Benefis Health System, noted, “We are thrilled that Touro University Montana is investing in a nursing school in Montana at a time when our region needs more healthcare professionals. Expanding local educational opportunities is critical to building the workforce needed to care for our growing and aging population. We are proud to offer a variety of scholarships through the Benefis Foundation to encourage local students to pursue nursing education. Scholarship recipients consistently cite the funding opportunity as a reason for choosing nursing school over alternative paths, and we look forward to awarding scholarships to Touro nursing students going forward.”

Touro University Montana aims to help address critical nursing shortages, strengthen local healthcare infrastructure, and support sustainable, community-centered growth.

“The University is driven by a desire to play a meaningful role in improving health outcomes across the entire state of Montana, from its urban centers to its most remote and underserved communities. By preparing nurses who understand the needs of diverse populations and who are equipped to serve in hospitals, clinics, public health settings, and community-based care environments, Touro seeks to make a lasting difference in the lives of all Montanans. This milestone marks an important step forward in expanding educational pathways, building a stronger healthcare workforce, and advancing healthier futures for communities throughout the state,” said Dr. Michael Carr, Provost of Touro University Montana.